Impact guard system for devices

ABSTRACT

An impact guard system comprises an impact guard positioned adjacent a first product surface or positioned on a second surface to reduce the amount of impact on the first product surface and second surface when the first product surface and second product surfaces contact each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and is related to and claims priority from utility patent application Ser. No. 11/208,494 filed on Aug. 22, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to impact guards incorporated into products to reduce the shock to a product segment caused as a result of one product segment striking another product segment during normal product operations. In particular, this invention relates to impact guards incorporated into magnetic products to reduce the shock to a magnet caused as a result of the magnet striking another magnet, a magnetic surface or a surface such as a metal, plastic or wooden surface during the normal operation of a product incorporating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many mechanical devices have moving parts that contact each other during normal operations of the product. Depending on the intensity of the impact of the parts, a device part may break or be damaged by the contacting or striking of the parts. Some products that contain magnets as part of the their operations have a substantial number of parts that contact each other which could lead to the magnets breaking as a result of the impact.

Magnets are an essential component of many products in our society. Magnets are incorporated into products such as television sets, industrial turbines, computer hard drives, and metal recycling equipment. The applications for magnets range from tasks in one's home to industrial jobs in enormous plants. Although magnets are incorporated into a large variety products, many of the products use magnets to attract non-magnetic objects (metal objects) to the magnet. However, in some more recent products, magnets are used to attract other magnets.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,787 describes the use of magnets in an eyeglass clasp for maintaining eyeglasses on a clothing material. The clasp comprises at least one magnetic means engaged with the eyeglasses temple bars that align with each other but not with the eyeglasses frame body midpoint when the temple bars are closed. The magnets are in attractive magnetic communication when the temple bars are closed. Pivoting one of the temple bars into the closed position uses the clasp. The frame body and closed temple bar are then positioned on one side of a clothing material. The second temple bar is then pivoted into the closed position such that it is on the other side of the clothing material. With the temple bars closed, the magnets are in attractive magnetic communication and impart a gripping force on the article of clothing. The gripping force substantially prevents relative movement between the temple bars and the clothing material.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/208,494 provides a magnetic spring clip device that is attachable to a writing instrument, lighting instrument, a combination illuminating writing instrument or any other similar type device. The invention further provides a magnetic spring clip system that enables a person to better secure various types of instruments to the person's clothing. The magnetic spring clip comprises a clip base that attaches to the instrument. This base further comprises a pivot point to enable the spring clip to rotate between open and closed positions to engage the clothing article. The pivot point comprises a hinge that also attaches a clip shaft to the clip base. A clip magnet attaches to the clip shaft. The magnetic force of the magnetic attaches to the external surface of the instrument pinning a portion of the article of clothing between the magnet and the surface of the instrument and therefore securing the instrument via the magnetic spring clip to the clothing article. The ability of the clip shaft and clip magnet to pivot between open and closed provides an opening through which clothing is inserted. As mentioned in the closed position the magnet clamps against the clothing and thereby secures the instrument to the clothing article.

Another related patent application Ser. No. 10/907,734 describes a writing instrument having an elongated body housing and having an engagement surface that is magnetic and magnetizable. This instrument includes a rigid clip supported by the elongated body and a clip magnet supported by the clip and positioned on the clip sufficient to line up with and engage the engagement surface.

When products use magnets, the impact of a magnet striking or contacting another magnet or magnetic surface could cause the magnet to break or could cause other damage to the magnet. In most cases the damage would cause the magnet to fail. In any case, damage to the magnet would require the replacement of that magnet.

Various types of magnets are incorporated into magnetic products. Many of these magnets are coated with a material to prevent chipping and breaking. One type of magnet is the Samarium Cobalt magnet. These magnets are composed of samarium cobalt and iron. In general, the elements of these magnets are melted together and milled into a powder that is dry-pressed to shape in the presences of a magnetic field. Samarium magnets are small in size but very strong magnetically. However, these magnets are very brittle. These magnets are very prone to chipping and cracking.

The Alnico magnet is made primarily from aluminum, nickel, cobalt, copper, iron and sometimes titanium. This type of magnet is brittle and chip or break if dropped on a hard surface. The Neodymium magnet (Neodymium Iron Baron—Nd—Fe—B) magnet is extremely strong for their size. Neodymium magnets are very brittle, but very strong magnetically. Also these magnets are prone to chipping and cracking. Ceramic magnets are composed of strontium carbonate and iron oxide. The ceramic magnet material is extremely brittle and can chip or break if dropped on a hard surface or if allowed to “jump at” an attracting object.

As discussed, many of the magnets and magnetic coatings used in magnet products are brittle and easily broken. There remains a need for a device or system that can eliminate or substantially reduce the amount of impact to the magnet in a magnetic product during the operations of the magnetic product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system of impact guards to reduce the impact on product surfaces when one product surface contacts another product surface.

It is a second objective of the present invention to provide impact guards as part of a magnetic product to reduce the amount of the impact to a magnet when the magnet contacts another magnet, a magnetic surface or a metal object as part of the normal operation of the magnetic product.

It is a third objective of the present invention to provide a magnetic product having an impact guard adjacent a magnet contained within the magnetic product

It is a fourth objective of the present invention to provide impact guards as part of magnetic products such that the impact guards are positioned adjacent a magnet and contacts another magnet, magnetic surface or metal object prior to the magnet contacting another magnetic, magnetic surface or metal object and thereby creating a minimum clearance between the magnet and other magnet or magnetic surface.

It is a fifth objective of the present invention to provide a magnet impact guard system wherein impact guards are positioned on a first surface whereby the impact guards contact another surface prior to the first surface such as a metal, plastic or wooden surface contacting the other surface and thereby creating a minimum clearance between the surfaces.

The present invention provides one or more impact guards between segments of a product that contact each other as part of the normal product operations. The impact guard is positioned such that when the product segments come together, an impact guard attached to one segment contacts the other segment before the other segment and absorbs the impact of that segment. As a result, the impact of the two segments contacting each other is reduced thereby reducing the possibility of segment breakage or damage.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a magnet impact guard system in which impact guards are positioned adjacent a first magnet or positioned on a magnetic surface to reduce the amount of impact on the first magnet and other magnet or magnetic surface when the first magnet is drawn to a second magnet or magnetic surface as part of the normal operation of the product containing the first magnet

The configuration of the impact guards can vary from one guard positioned adjacent a magnet or magnetic surface to plurality of impact guards positioned at various location on the surface of a magnet. The impact guards are of a size such that contact of the guards with another surface forms a clearance that reduces the impact but does effect the operation of and attraction force of the magnet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a concept view of a magnet impact guard system of the present invention with the impact guards attached to a magnet.

FIG. 2 is a concept view of a magnet impact guard system of the present invention with the impact guards attached to a magnetic surface.

FIG. 3 is a view of an impact guard configuration having a plurality of impact guards attached to a magnet, a magnetic surface or a metal surface.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an implementation of an impact guard system of the present invention with the impact guards attached to one surface and engaging another surface to reduce the impact of the two surfaces directly contacting each other.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated into a magnetic product.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the impact guard of the present invention incorporated in a magnetic spring clip device that is attached to a linear flash light instrument.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated in magnetic spring clip device wherein impact guards are adjacent a magnet on the clip arm and a pair of impact guards and a magnet are on an instrument to which the clip is attached.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated in magnetic spring clip device wherein impact guards are adjacent a magnet on the clip arm and impact guards are on an instrument that has a magnetic or metal to which the clip is attached.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated in magnetic spring clip device wherein impact guards are adjacent a magnet on the clip arm and impact guards are on an instrument that contains an internal magnet.

FIG. 10 is a view of an implementation of an impact guard system of the present invention with a sheet impact guard attached to one surface and engaging another surface to reduce the impact of the two surfaces directly contacting each other.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an implementation of an impact guard system of the present invention with a sheet impact guard attached to one surface and engaging another surface to reduce the impact of the two surfaces directly contacting each other.

FIG. 12 is a view of a sheet impact guard attached to a magnetic product.

FIG. 13 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention with non-compressible impact guards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A primary application of the present invention is in products containing magnets. Therefore, the description of the invention will be as implemented in a magnetic product. However, the concepts of this invention apply when implemented in various types of surfaces including metal, plastic and wooden surfaces.

FIG. 1 illustrates the concept of a magnet impact guard system of the present invention with the impact guards attached to a magnet. As shown, this configuration of the system comprises a magnet 10 and a pair of impact guards 12 and 14 positioned at each end of and adjacent to the magnet 10. The magnet attracts the magnetic material 16. However, prior to contact of the magnet 10 and magnetic material 16, the impact guards contact the magnetic material, which prevents that direct contact of the magnet 10, and magnetic material 16. The magnetic material 16 can be another magnet, a magnetic material or a metal material. The impact guards 12 and 14 can comprise a material having some elasticity or compressibility in order to absorb the impact when striking the material 16. The impact guards can be attached to the magnet, magnetic material or metal material with a glue type product.

FIG. 2 illustrates the concept a magnet impact guard system of the present invention with the impact guards attached to a magnetic surface. This embodiment is similar to the FIG. 1 with the exception that the impact guards 12 and 14 are on the magnetic material 16 and instead of the magnet 10.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the impact guard system in which multiple impact 20 guards a positioned on the surface of a magnet, magnetic material or metal material 22. FIG. 4 shows a side of the implementation of the system of this invention in which the impact guards 22 of magnet 10 contact the magnetic surface 24. Notice in the implementation that as the guards 22 contact the magnetic material 24 a clearance 26 is formed between the magnet having the attached guards and the magnetic or metal surface 24. Although not shown on the magnet 10, magnets typically have a coating over the magnet to help provide protection and stability to keep magnet from breaking or chipping.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated into a magnetic product. This system comprises an impact guard (50 and 52) on each end of the magnet 48. End caps 31 and 33 positioned adjacent impact guards 52 and 50 respectively help keep the impact guards and magnet assembly in place. The clearance area 58 is sufficient to maintain adequate clamping force between the magnet and the instrument surface 42. However, as shown, impact guards 50 and 52 are designed to contact the surface before the magnet to prevent impact of the magnet and the instrument.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the impact guard system of the present invention being implemented on a magnetic spring clip attached to a flashlight instrument 32. As previously mentioned, this product is a more recent implementation of magnet technology to better secure instruments such as a flashlight to an article of clothing. A spring clip 30 is attached to the flashlight instrument 32. The attachment of the clip to the instrument produces a small opening 34 between a portion of the clip and the instrument. Through this opening, a portion of the clothing item is inserted to facilitate the securing of the clothing item to the magnetic spring clip. The magnet 36 is drawn/attracted by its magnetic field of a magnet or magnetic material in the instrument 32. As the magnet 36 is drawn to the magnetic material of the instrument 32, the impact guard 38 contacts the instrument surface before the magnet 36 and absorbs any impact. Even with the inclusion of the impact guard 38 and the crated clearance, the force of the magnet and the close proximity of the magnet to the surface of the instrument secure the instrument to the clothing article.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the impact guard of the present invention implemented in a magnetic spring clip system. The magnetic spring clip comprises a clip base 40. This base 40 can have a semi-circle design such that an opening exists on one side. This opening enables the clip base to receive and attach to an instrument 42. The clip further comprises a pivot point 44 that attaches the clip base 40 to a clip arm (shaft) 46 and enables that clip arm to rotate a certain degrees from and toward the instrument 42. The clip arm can further have a threaded end away from the pivot point end of the shaft. These thread provide a means to attach a clip magnet 48 to the clip arm 46. In an alternate embodiment, the magnet can be a slide on magnet. In this embodiment, an impact guard 52 can attach to the shaft 46 via these threads. A second impact guard 50 is also positioned on the shaft above the magnet. These two impact guards absorb the impact when the arm of the magnetic clip closes bringing the magnet toward the instrument surface. An end cap 33 at the lower end of the arm and an end cap 31 at the upper end of the arm helps secure and prevent movement of the magnet 48 and impact guards 50 and 52. Also in this embodiment, the instrument 42 contains an external magnet and impact guard configuration. The magnet 61 surrounds the instrument surface 42 and combined with the force of magnet 48 provides ample magnetic strength for many product applications. With this increased force, a second set of impact guards 60 and 62 can be incorporated on the surface of the instrument and adjacent the magnet 61.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated in magnetic spring clip device as described in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the impact guards 50 and 52 are adjacent a magnet 48 on the clip arm 46 as previously described. However, impact guards 60 and 62 on the instrument 42 are adjacent a portion of the instrument surface 64 that is magnetic. The entire instrument surface could be magnetic or only a portion of the surface could be magnetic. In the design, the magnetic surface 64 and the magnet 48 are aligned such that they efficiently come in contact with each other. The sets of impact guards will reduce the impact of the magnet 48 contacting the instrument surface 64. Further, as with the embodiment of FIG. 7, and other designs, one set of impact guards could sufficiently provide an impact reduction.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the impact guard system of the present invention incorporated in magnetic spring clip device as described in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the impact guards 50 and 52 are adjacent a magnet 48 on the clip arm 46 as previously described. Impact guards 60 and 62 on the instrument 42 are adjacent a portion of the instrument where a magnet 65 is contained inside the instrument. The magnet 65 and the magnet 48 are aligned such that they efficiently come in contact with each other as with FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 shows a sheet impact guard 70 that can cover the majority of a flat surface 72 such as a magnetic surface. This configuration is consistent with the impact configuration of FIG. 3. FIG. 11 shows a side view of the implementation. This impact guard can be implemented in a magnetic product 76 such as the product illustrated in FIG. 12. In this product, there can be a pair of magnets 72 and 74 and an impact guard 70 attached to at least one of the magnets.

FIG. 13 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention with non-compressible impact guards. This design is conceptually similar to the designs in FIGS. 5 through 9. This system comprises an impact guard (80 and 82) on each end of the magnet 78. The magnet 78 is attached to the arm of the instrument 86. The clearance areas 88 and 89 are sufficient to maintain adequate clamping force between the magnet and the instrument surface 90. However, as shown, impact guards 80 and 82 are designed to contact the surface before the magnet to prevent impact of the magnet and the instrument. In this embodiment, the impact guards may comprise a non-compressible material or a compressible material. As previously described, the materials in the embodiment can vary with a particular product and can include metal, plastic or wooden materials. The primary component of the magnetic force facilitates the clamping of the product surface regardless of the materials that comprise one or both surfaces.

The present invention provides significant advantages over the current art. While the invention has been described using a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein or from its true spirit. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

This description is intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Only the language of the claims that follow should determine the scope of this invention. The term “comprising” within the claims is intended to mean “including at least” such that the recited listing of elements in a claim are an open group. “A,” “an” and other singular terms are intended to include the plural forms thereof unless specifically excluded. 

1. An impact guard system for reducing the affect of an impact between two segments of a product comprising: a first product segment of a rigid material; at least one impact guard attached to said first product segment, said impact guard positioned on a surface of said first product segment such that said impact guard contacts a surface of a second product segment prior to the contacting of the surface of the second product segment by the surface of the first product segment to which the impact guard is attached; and a second product segment of a rigid material contactable with said first product segment such that said first product segment and said second product segment contact each other through said at least one impact guard.
 2. The impact guard system as described in claim 1 wherein said impact guard comprises a compressible material for absorbing an impact when said first product segment contacts said second product segment.
 3. The impact guard system as described in claim 1 wherein the rigid material of the first product segment comprises a magnet material.
 4. The impact guard system as described in claim 3 wherein the rigid material of said second product segment comprises a metal, wood or plastic material.
 5. The impact guard system as described in claim 4 further comprising a magnet positioned on a side of the second product segment opposite the surface of the second product surface that is in contact with the first product segment.
 6. The impact guard system as described in claim 1 further comprising two or more impact guards attached to the first product segment.
 7. The impact guard system as described in claim 1 further comprising at least one impact guard the second product segment.
 8. The impact guard system as described in claim 1 wherein said one impact guard has a sheet configuration.
 9. The impact guard system as described in claim 1 wherein said first product segment and said second product segment are coated to prevent material breaking or chipping.
 10. The impact guard system as described in claim 9 wherein said first product segment further comprises a first magnet incorporated with said first product segment.
 11. The impact guard system as described in claim 10 wherein said one impact guard has a sheet configuration covering said first magnet.
 12. The impact guard system as described in claim 10 wherein said second product segment comprises a metal material.
 13. The impact guard system as described in claim 9 further comprising two or more impact guards attached to the first magnet.
 14. The impact guard system as described in claim 13 further comprising one or more impact guards attached to said second product segment.
 15. The impact guard system as described in claim 9 further comprising a coating on said first magnetic material and said second material.
 16. An impact guard system for reducing the affect of an impact between a magnet surface and an object comprising: a first material attractable to a magnet; at least one impact guard attached to said first material, said impact guard positioned on a surface of said first material such that said impact guard contacts an object prior to the surface of the first material to which the impact guard is attached; and a second material attractable to said first material such that said first material and said second material contact each other through said at least one impact guard.
 17. The impact guard system as described in claim 16 wherein said first material is a magnetic material.
 18. The impact guard system as described in claim 16 wherein said impact guard comprises a compressible material for absorbing an impact when said first magnet contacts said second magnetic material.
 19. The impact guard system as described in claim 16 further comprising two or more impact guards attached to the first magnet.
 20. The impact guard as described in claim 16 further comprising a coating over said first material and said second material. 